Unlearn to learn is the dictum for the foreseeable future generations; and rightly so. Cloud applications are getting traction not only in private sector but also in the public sector. Reports suggest that there has been an unmistakable surge in demand for cloud application development of late.
What is Cloud Application Development?
Cloud Application Development is basically the development of any software application that is implemented in a cloud environment, rather than being hosted on a machine or local server. The IT infrastructure is facilitated to support applications on cloud and can interact with web browsers and APIs. The three popular cloud application development models are – private, public and hybrid.
Cloud development comprises of application lifecycle management tools (source code, configuration, test and quality control, uninterrupted delivery tools), application security testing tools and integrated development environments. Although we talk about how incredible the use of cloud development within organizations is, we seldom talk about the hiccups that our developers face while implementing a cloud strategy. It is time we address these issues and look for substantial solutions.
In this blog let us uncover the barriers that developers run into with cloud development and how to master them:
Unexplored Cloud Territory
Just like you and me, developers also detest unknown or unexplored domains. Cloud development or cloud computing is still a newer concept in certain organizations. It can be an unsettling technology for development.
Quick Fix – Adequate training is the key to sustain. There are several programs that the IT team can implement to get adapted to cloud computing internally. It will be a luxury if the IT team are also equally interested and open to change and challenges.
Insufficient Documentation
Developers are left with inadequate documentation on cloud development. With availability of necessary tools and resources, the IT team can benefit in building applications within the environment.
Quick Fix – Collaborating with a consulting firm to meet the increasing demands is one of the achievable things that businesses can work on.
Not All Apps Can Be Developed in Cloud
If the application is not easy to access, inflexible and tough to replicate, then it becomes extremely difficult in developing and testing on cloud resources.
Quick Fix – It will be more appropriate to avoid developing applications that are big budget in the cloud. Avoid applications that have legacy coding design, substantial data security or regulatory restrictions.
Cloud Apps Often Do Not Work like “Real World” Apps
It is not always easy to replicate all services on the cloud. Suppose an application is developed in the cloud before running on local server, testing against a legacy system should be done.
Quick Fix – Service virtualization technology which enables parallel or multiple branch development is something that developers can benefit from.
Performance Issues
At times Cloud applications can badger the performance of systems with new challenges. Information when stretched across multiple data centers can hinder the systems with network issues, latency and constrained network pipeline.
Quick Fix – Build applications so that ample wide area networks are accessible at each step throughout the process. The cloud-based applications must be capable of handling bandwidth issues and server load or lag to meet the desired purpose.
Security Concerns
When businesses engage with partners and customers, there may be instances of frequent data sharing which may lead to breach of information.
Developers should understand the repercussions of sharing these systems with others. Security should be of utmost priority to the developers.
Cloud apps may have umpteen API integrations, but at the same time, they should be easily accessible for users.
Quick Fix – Robust data encryption, reverse proxy usage, SSL, etc. will help to reinforce the security in any Cloud application development.
Integration Challenges
Businesses often miscalculate cloud integration challenges and the potential after-effects it has on the systems. Cloud applications can have tons of small modules that engage with one another. Backtracking the network can be a tedious process. Limited visibility also adds to the existing adversity. At times, the Cloud service vendor might be working with different development and monitoring tools compared to the company’s tools internally.
Quick Fix – Users should understand the products, services and tools that the vendor recons and evaluate the amount of work required to connect various products.
NOTE – Exceptional supervision should be done while dealing with cloud applications in the public sector.
System Resources
Cloud based application development is fluctuating and system configurations are constantly moving. A virtual machine must be installed for testing which can run for weeks together.
Since cloud applications are running on usage-based meter, the charges flare up every time the resource runs, and this adds up to the final bill (can be colossal expenditure for the company).
Quick Fix – Getting back to basics. Understand your system and resources better to invest on necessary applications and services only.
After Thoughts
There are two types of cloud-based development. When opting for a cloud-based software solution, either you can build an application that is sited on third-party solutions or your company can be a cloud service provider for SaaS, Iaas, PaaS.
Cloud app development evidently has loads of advantages – it aids in cost-cutting as there is no real need for hardware, certain software, or servers. It will bring feasibility, as there will be seamless accessibility to the product and stability in the workflow.
Not to forget that, know your vendor and they know you. Go for a reputed platform vendor who meets your standard procedure. AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, Cloud Foundry (Ruby) are some real good vendors in the market today.
Embitel is a leading cloud implementation service provider and has been enabling distributed cloud computing models for global customers. Our partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, and our Agile development methodologies have been leveraged by organizations for their rapid digital transformation through cloud enablement.
